Reject Amendment To Change Voting Rules

On Nov. 4 we will be asked to vote on a proposal to amend the Connecticut Constitution to give the legislature control over setting rules for voting. These rules can only be changed by first amending the constitution, in other words only by the voters, not the one-party-controlled legislature whose members have an interest in perpetuating their own power and control.

The argument in favor of making this change is that with today's lifestyles, it will make voting more convenient and easier for people. If you feel that voting is inconvenient, that the politicians have better sense and should control the rules for voting in Connecticut, then go ahead and give them the power to set the rules for voting.

If you think that the integrity of your vote in CT is safe and will remain so after the one-party-controlled legislature changes the voting rules anytime they wish and in any way they wish, then go ahead, vote yes. But If you agree with me that there is a serious problem with the integrity of our votes in CT; if you agree that we already have "early voting" through the ease and ability to vote with an absentee ballot; if you fear that the next change will be to eliminate voter ID requirements; if you feel that Election Day is Election Day and that voters should take that responsibility and privilege seriously and vote; then vote no.

Reading this on the ballot for the first time, it can seem innocuous to make the change. It is anything but innocuous, and magnanimity in this case will have serious, far-reaching repercussions in perpetuity in Connecticut.